S2

Policy: S2 - Strategic Policy 2

e site is sold subject to a development agreement to ensure that the Government's objectives for the site are realised and that the selected developer meets a pre-agreed development programme.

QS2 Support town centre circuit connecting through Wintergarden to new capital town space.

A significant new amenity space should be provided on the Quayside and this is likely to be delivered in tandem with the delivery of QS1. The nature and extent of the space should be controlled through the development agreement associated with the selection of a developer for QS1.

QS3 Promotion of further leisure (restaurant & bars) to create cluster.

The Quayside properties are outside the Government's ownership. Re-ordering of this area for food and drink clustering will require joint working with landlords to promote the area generally and vacant properties in particular to these operators.

Medium Term

QS4 Evolution from light industrial uses to residential, with relocation of existing uses.

The South Quay includes a diverse mix of employment uses, some of which appear suited to this high value location and other less so. A number of these sites have been optioned by developers and medium-long term development opportunities. Relocation of the existing industrial and trade counter uses will be necessary to facilitate higher value residential and office developments. The Government should encourage and facilitate the relocation of the existing industrial uses and redevelopment of the site using its planning and development functions. In the first instance it will be necessary to identify a suitable site (or sites) for relocation.

The Fort

Short Term

TF1 Leisure led uses, including hotel, cinema and winter garden with gallery space, retail and residential opportunities

This surface car park site is owned by the Isle of Man Government. There is existing developer interest in acquiring the site for a leisure led mixed use development. Such development accords with the objectives of this masterplan and the Government should commence marketing the site. It is recommended that the site is sold subject to a development agreement to ensure that the Government's objectives for the site are realised and that the selected developer meets a pre-agreed development programme.

TF2 Potential for marshalling yard extension and multi-storey car park for The Fort development

The marshalling yard is owned by the Steam Packet Company. The Government should work with the Steam Packet Company to explore and agree objectives and strategy for the redevelopment of the marshalling yard. In the first instance the Government should engage with the Steam Packet Company to understand their objectives and potential appetite to develop. If the Steam Packet Company cannot find common ground with the Government, the two parties could work together to procure a single development partner for the marshalling yard and neighbouring Lord Street site (QS1/TF1). Through their planning and development management functions the Government should encourage and facilitate the redevelopment of the site.

Medium Term

TF3 Mixed-use retail led town centre uses proposed for Middlemarch and Cambrian Place sites, including a possible department store.

The Middlemarch site and Cambrian Place sites are also owned by the Isle of Man Government. However, both sites have been optioned to potential developers. Through their planning and development management functions the Government should encourage and facilitate redevelopment of the site.

If development is not forthcoming the Government can look to other potential partners when options expire if existing stakeholders have not been able or willing to bring forward appropriate development. In the meantime, the priority for the Government is their own land at Lord Street / Parade Street

The delivery strategy has not set a detailed programme for implementation of the development projects. However, the following three projects appear to offer the greatest transformation change over which the Government has greatest potential control and should be prioritised:

1. QS1/TF1 Lord Street Site / Marshalling Yard
2. SS1 Chester Street Car Park
3. SS2 Villiers Square & 'AXA' Site

8 NEXT STEPS

The Isle of Man Government is developing with IBI Taylor Young a 'development prospectus' for Central Douglas. Completion of the masterplan provides the tools to further develop a brand for Central Douglas and market its specific attractions and investment opportunities.

The Masterplan Committee who have overseen the production of this report are in a strong position to develop and promote the Vision both at the grassroots and on an International platform. The Masterplan and Prospectus will provide a strong basis for the promotion of this unique Capital T